Iran Has Had Protests Before. Will This Time Be Different?
Key Points:
- Iran is experiencing intense protests since late December, raising questions about whether this could be a transformative moment leading to significant political change.
- Unlike previous protests, such as the 2022 uprising after the death of a young woman in police custody, current economic hardships and inflation have worsened, fueling greater public anger.
- The Iranian government’s attempt to alleviate economic distress with minimal financial aid has further aggravated dissatisfaction among citizens.
- External pressures on Iran have increased, with the collapse of its regional “axis of resistance” and threats of military strikes from former U.S. President Trump and Israel.
- It remains uncertain if these protests will lead to regime change, with definitive answers likely only possible in hindsight.